Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS Discontinued?

[cfibanez]

70-200 f/2.8L IS no longer available at Adorama (see http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=detailsdisc&sku=CA70200ISU and ongoing discussion at the CanonRumors Forum HERE (http://www.canonrumors.com/2009/07/canon-70-200-f2-8l-is-discontinued/)).

A new version coming up? Oh hell! Just got mine a couple of weeks ago!

[zincozinco]

Over at CR, they are saying that the 70-200 f/2.8L IS is discontinued? If so what would be the replacement? This IS the lens to own if you are a press photographer. Anybody knows whats around the bend??

[j00sten]

It could be an incorrect listing. Why would they have the Canon Rebate extended on bhphoto (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/234444-USA/Canon_7042A002_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS_USM.html)? It would make no sense to have a rebate like that for a discontinued item. Plus they seem to be the only supplier that are out of stock. If both bhphoto and adorama had it discontinued, then I would start to consider it.

[jacuff]

Over at CR, they are saying that the 70-200 f/2.8L IS is discontinued? If so what would be the replacement? This IS the lens to own if you are a press photographer. Anybody knows whats around the bend??

The 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM of course!
Basically improved optics (sub wavelength structure coating) and the latest generation IS. That would be my guess.

But if you follow the link, it is to a DPR post where somebody says Helen Oster said it was confirmed. That to me says still take it with a grain of salt. It'd have more cred if it was an actually post from Helen that says it is so and not a post of someone else saying Helen said it was so.

[jacuff]

70-200 f/2.8L IS no longer available at Adorama (see http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=detailsdisc&sku=CA70200ISU and ongoing discussion at the CanonRumors Forum HERE).

A new version coming up? Oh hell! Just got mine a couple of weeks ago!

Another posting says its confirmed. (http://www.canonrumors.com/2009/07/70-200-f2-8l-is-discontinuation-confirmed/)

Helen Oster is reliable source for Adorama, but I'd still take it with a grain of salt until you find a posting where Helen Oster says it is so, not just some person saying that Helen Oster says it is so.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well then she's confirming BS...

Seriously, I suppose it could be argued that I'm just arguing semantics here, but still, Canon might "REPLACE" that lens, they will not "Discontinue" it under any circumstance.


That the correct terms are not being applied to the rumors leaves me less confident of the rumor as a whole.

P.S. Merged some threads with this one,. this rumor is generated via a post on a site called "Canon Rumors", so please post this stuff in the Rumors forum. It aint "news" until it's real.

[HelenOster]

Actually, I have a BIG apology; I completely mis-read an email from our purchasing department. We have NO official notification that this is discontinued - we just can't get any at the moment.

I do apologize for any misunderstanding or concern that this has caused.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Thanks Helen for the reply!
Very cool to set the record straight here!

There actually seem to be a lot of Canon lenses that are hard to find these days..

[j00sten]

Thanks Helen for the reply!
Very cool to set the record straight here!

There actually seem to be a lot of Canon lenses that are hard to find these days..

I have noticed this trend as well. It seems that Canon didn't expect the level of interest with their lenses. Because of the recent economic downturn, they probably projected a significant decrease in the purchase of Luxury items. I'm guessing their presently surprised in the sales of their L lenses. It will probably take them a few months to adjust the mfg output to match the demand. It looks like photographers will be the ones to start up this economy :lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

My own theory was their own cut backs to reduce any cost hemorrhaging.

This is just my guess, but they may well have shut down or reduced production of a lot of stuff to keep there costs down with the economy doing what it is. Maybe they took it a little further than they should have.

[nphsbuckeye]

I agree that Canon would replace, but not discontinue the lens. Of the four 7-2s, this is the least likely to get the axe. Sure, hobbiests may like it instead of the cheaper ones, but this would hurt Canon amongst the pros.

[cfibanez]

Actually, I have a BIG apology; I completely mis-read an email from our purchasing department. We have NO official notification that this is discontinued - we just can't get any at the moment.

I do apologize for any misunderstanding or concern that this has caused.

Thanks Helen for stepping in here. But why not simply write "Out of stock" as you usually do in other cases? The Adorama website actually says "this item is no longer available", which explains the ensuing confusion.

[John_TX]

Thanks Helen for stepping in here. But why not simply write "Out of stock" as you usually do in other cases? The Adorama website actually says "this item is no longer available", which explains the ensuing confusion.

It looks like Adorama jumped the gun and implicitly gave us a heads up on Canon's next lens.
Canon now has the 70-200 F2.8 IS listed with an MSRP of $1999.
I know before stores started stealing ALL of the rebate, this lens sold for $1699 ($1499 after rebate). I would think a Mk II version of this lens would be at least $1999-$2299 (if Canon follows their previous price-hikes for new L glass).

[cfibanez]

It looks like Adorama jumped the gun and implicitly gave us a heads up on Canon's next lens.
Canon now has the 70-200 F2.8 IS listed with an MSRP of $1999.
I know before stores started stealing ALL of the rebate, this lens sold for $1699 ($1499 after rebate).

That seems to be across the board though. The 100-400L was until recently $1500 (still is in most shops) but Canon USA now lists an MSRP of $1649 for this lens. I'd expect a new 70-200 2.8 to retail well above the $2000 mark.

[HelenOster]

It looks like Adorama jumped the gun and implicitly gave us a heads up on Canon's next lens.



No I didn't! I mis-read an email!!

[John_TX]

It looks like everyone has had their excitement for the week! :lol:

I sure hope Canon follows the canonrumors.com site, as the feedback they get about rumored product releases has got to be better than ANY "focus group" could ever provide!

[jacuff]

Hehehe... well let's just add some more fuel to the fire:

http://www.canon.com/news/2009/jul22e.html

[msowsun]

The 70-200 2.8 IS has a 3 stop IS and is a good seller in it's present form . The older 100-400 IS with it's 2 stop IS would be a more likely candidate for an upgrade.

This new "Hybrid" IS seems better suited for Macro lenses, 1st generation IS, or non-IS lenses.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

[Motab]

Meh, I took the leap and bought the current gen yesterday. Here's my rationale:

It's an awesome lens regardless of whether a new one comes out. I'm fairly convinced that even it was announced today, I wouldn't be able to get my hands on one for at least 6 months, and at a $500 premium. With the current rebates, that could amount to a $700 delta. If I want one in 6 months, I think I can probably sell the new one for pretty close to what I paid, and with a few weddings between now and 6 months away, I would have spent more in rentals than I would have from any potential loss of this transaction.

Yeah, I talked myself into it a bit, but I wanted it, so oh well. :)

[Thunderbird33]

Probably one of the last lenses that needs an update! You guys are waaay too eager to fork over your money!!!!

[HelenOster]

Thanks Helen for stepping in here. But why not simply write "Out of stock" as you usually do in other cases? The Adorama website actually says "this item is no longer available", which explains the ensuing confusion.

Sorry it took so long to come back to you.


When we write on the website "out of stock" that means that currently we don't have any of an item, but that more are on order and we are expecting them to come into inventory in the near future - and therefore we are willing to have customers placing orders for those backordered items, since we are confident that we will be able to fulfill such orders within a reasonable time.

As you are aware, although we have NOT been advised by Canon that this model has been discontinued, in common with many other retailers, it is not available to us at this time.

We do still have an open order with Canon, but have absolutely no idea when they might be sent out to us.

The reason we list it on the website as "no longer available" is because the order system has been set up not to accept any more orders from customers, which we can't absolutely guarantee that we will be able to fulfill.

You may also be sure that as soon as we get any more of this lens shipped to us, we will update the website immediately and we will accept new orders.

I hope this helps

Sincerely

[cfibanez]

Sorry it took so long to come back to you. When we write on the website "out of stock" that means that currently we don't have any of an item, but that more are on order and we are expecting them to come into inventory in the near future - and therefore we are willing to have customers placing orders for those backordered items, since we are confident that we will be able to fulfill such orders within a reasonable time. As you are aware, although we have NOT been advised by Canon that this model has been discontinued, in common with many other retailers, it is not available to us at this time. We do still have an open order with Canon, but have absolutely no idea when they might be sent out to us. The reason we list it on the website as "no longer available" is because the order system has been set up not to accept any more orders from customers, which we can't absolutely guarantee that we will be able to fulfill. You may also be sure that as soon as we get any more of this lens shipped to us, we will update the website immediately and we will accept new orders.
I hope this helps Sincerely

Thanks Helen, that clarifies it completely.

[hk300]

i still believe 70-200IS could be replaced very soon ...

there are many new users recently and the 5D2 is really selling very well. Most people buy 24-70 (or 24-105) and this 70-200IS 2.8 lens.

Note that there are more reasons why certain lenses are being replaced, it does not automatically mean that the existing lens is no good. Perhaps the new lens will be cheaper to make? Seeing all these cheap 18-55IS, 55-250is lenses, make me suspect that the latest generation IS will barely add any cost to the basic lens.

[DennisW1]

Sorry it took so long to come back to you.


When we write on the website "out of stock" that means that currently we don't have any of an item, but that more are on order and we are expecting them to come into inventory in the near future - and therefore we are willing to have customers placing orders for those backordered items, since we are confident that we will be able to fulfill such orders within a reasonable time.

As you are aware, although we have NOT been advised by Canon that this model has been discontinued, in common with many other retailers, it is not available to us at this time.

We do still have an open order with Canon, but have absolutely no idea when they might be sent out to us.

The reason we list it on the website as "no longer available" is because the order system has been set up not to accept any more orders from customers, which we can't absolutely guarantee that we will be able to fulfill.

You may also be sure that as soon as we get any more of this lens shipped to us, we will update the website immediately and we will accept new orders.

I hope this helps

Sincerely


Makes perfect sense, and IMO is a much more honest way of dealing with your customers than simply taking orders and letting them hang on until you finally get a shipment in.

Of course, despite your explaination, you know that won't stop the rumor mill from continuing to churn. :D

[MaliCali]

awesome. i got really close to buying this lens too..

[egordon99]

B&H has it in stock as of about 10 minutes ago....

[jacuff]

Here's some more fuel for the fire...
http://press.nikonusa.com/2009/07/nikon_further_refines_dx_and_f.php

Nikon just announced an update of their 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.
Canon to follow suit?

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^ Hope so. :)

[cfibanez]

Will the new Canon lens cost $2400 like the Nikon?

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^ cheap. :lol:

It will cost more than the current one I'd think. I don't mind too much. I just hope it's not too much more. ;)

Still saving... please Canon, bring it out after I pay my tax (we pay once a year in Hong Kong) and also after I have enough money for it. ;)

[wytwolf]

OUCH!!! A $500 price increase. Even if Canon does release a new 70-200 2.8 IS there would be no way I would be able to justify spended ~$2700 CAD on a lens for my hobby to the woman. Glad I bought the current generation now.

[hk300]

Here's some more fuel for the fire...
http://press.nikonusa.com/2009/07/nikon_further_refines_dx_and_f.php

Nikon just announced an update of their 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.
Canon to follow suit?

This news and Canon's new Hybrid IS will push Canon to update their most popular higher-end lenses, i.e. this 70-200/2.8, and perhaps 24-70 and 17-55IS.

it is not that the current ones are not good enough, but people like to buy new models...

i personally hope that Canon will upgrade the 70-200IS4 next, perhaps to 60-250IS4 ... to beat the Pentax equivalent :lol:

[cfibanez]

I got mine new a month ago. But I will upgrade to a new version that would deliver sharper images wide open at 200mm. Don't get me wrong, the lens is terrific as it is, and everything at 2.8 looks good (and takes pp sharpening very nicely) but it is still a bit "creamier" at 2.8 than stopped-down to 4.0 or 5.6, particularly at 200mm. Stopped down to 4.0 this lens is totally comparable to its f/4.0 cousin, considered by some one of the sharpest telezooms ever made by Canon. I have posted some images in the lens archive (HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8283730&postcount=1687)) along with blur tests from slrgear.com so you can understand what I mean. This concurs with most comments you will read about this lens. It is very sharp as it is, sure. But it could still be crispier at 2.8, no question.

So, yes, I for one would bite the bullet and upgrade to a new version that would afford crispier images wide open at 200mm and deliver a better IS, regardless of price or weight. (Edit: within limits!)

[Stealthy Ninja]

i personally hope that Canon will upgrade the 70-200IS4 next, perhaps to 60-250IS4 ... to beat the Pentax equivalent :lol:

Well the 70-200 f/4 IS is probably the best in the world at the moment (great IS and super sharp). I don't see your wish coming soon anytime soon. ;)

[John_TX]

Wow, the Nikon 70-200 is $2400!!! That...is...insane...
That thing better cook me dinner & tuck me in bed at night!

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^You want a lens to be your mummy? ???

:p :p